Spinal Cord Injuries Lawyer
If you have recently experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury due to a car accident in Los Angeles, you may be facing significant medical expenses and a loss of income. However, there is potential for you to seek financial compensation to alleviate these burdens.
By pursuing a legal claim, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages to help cover medical bills and compensate for the wages you have lost. It is crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who specializes in spinal cord injury cases to understand your rights and explore the options available to you.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) in a car accident refers to damage or trauma to the spinal cord that occurs as a result of the impact or forces involved in a car crash. Car accidents can cause sudden and severe jolts, impacts, or compression of the spine, leading to damage to the spinal cord and its associated nerves.
Spinal cord injuries in car accidents can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. The severity of the injury depends on various factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle and direction of the impact, the use of seat belts and other safety devices, and the overall health and condition of the individual involved.
Car accidents can cause different types of spinal cord injuries, such as:
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: In a complete SCI, there is a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury. This means that the individual may experience paralysis or loss of sensation in both legs and possibly the trunk and arms, depending on the level of the injury.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: An incomplete SCI involves partial damage to the spinal cord, resulting in varying degrees of motor and sensory function loss below the level of the injury. The extent and location of the damage determine the specific symptoms and functional impairments.
- Fractures and Dislocations: Car accidents can cause fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine. These injuries can lead to spinal cord compression or direct damage to the spinal cord if bone fragments or displaced vertebrae compress or impinge on the spinal cord.
Spinal cord injuries in car accidents can have devastating and life-altering consequences. They can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, impaired organ function, chronic pain, and a range of other physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Prompt medical attention, specialized rehabilitation, and ongoing support are crucial for individuals with spinal cord injuries to maximize their recovery and quality of life.
If you or someone you know has sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in spinal cord injury cases. An attorney can help evaluate your legal options, navigate insurance claims, and pursue a legal claim for compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other damages associated with the injury.
Liability for Your Spinal Cord Injury in Los Angeles
Determining liability for a spinal cord injury in Los Angeles depends on the specific circumstances of the car accident. Several parties may be held legally responsible for the injury, including:
- Negligent Drivers: If the car accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, they may be held liable for the spinal cord injury. Negligent actions can include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, drunk driving, or any other violation of traffic laws that led to the accident.
- Vehicle Owners: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle owned by someone else, the owner may also be held liable for the spinal cord injury. This can be the case if the owner negligently entrusted their vehicle to an unfit driver or if the vehicle had maintenance issues that contributed to the accident.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle in the course of their employment at the time of the accident, their employer may be held liable under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability. This applies when the driver was acting within the scope of their employment duties at the time of the accident.
- Government Entities: If the car accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, inadequate signage, or other road-related issues, the government entity responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining the road may be held liable. This can involve filing a claim against the city, county, or state agency responsible for the road.
- Manufacturers or Distributors: If a defective vehicle part or faulty equipment contributed to the accident and subsequent spinal cord injury, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product may be held liable under product liability laws.
Comparative Fault in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, as well as in California, the legal principle of comparative fault is used to determine liability and allocate damages in personal injury cases, including car accidents. Comparative fault takes into account the idea that more than one party can contribute to an accident or injury.
Under comparative fault, the court assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident, including the injured person. The amount of compensation awarded is then adjusted based on the degree of fault assigned to each party.
California follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident that caused your spinal cord injury, you can still recover damages from other parties involved. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be decreased by your percentage of fault.
For example, if the court determines that you were 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, resulting in $80,000.
It’s important to note that comparative fault can be a complex legal concept, and determining the degree of fault is often a matter of negotiation, evidence, and legal arguments. It is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the application of comparative fault in Los Angeles. An attorney can protect your rights, gather evidence to establish liability and advocate for your fair share of compensation, even if you are partially at fault for the accident.
The Pacific Attorney Group Can Help
The Pacific Attorney Group in Los Angeles provides legal representation and support specifically for individuals who have sustained spinal cord injuries due to auto accidents. We understand the unique challenges and long-term consequences associated with these types of injuries and are committed to helping victims seek justice and compensation.
When working with individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries in auto accidents, we at the Pacific Attorney Group offer the following services:
- Case Evaluation: Our attorneys will assess the details of the auto accident and the resulting spinal cord injury. They will evaluate the potential liability of the parties involved and determine the strength of the case.
- Medical Expertise: The Pacific Attorney Group has access to medical professionals with expertise in spinal cord injuries. We will consult with these experts to understand the extent of your injury, the necessary medical treatments, and the long-term impact on your life.
- Comprehensive Legal Representation: Our attorneys will handle all legal aspects of your case, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if needed, litigating in court. They will fight for your rights and for fair compensation to cover medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost salary, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the spinal cord injury.
- Rehabilitation and Support Services: The Pacific Attorney Group will connect you with rehabilitation specialists, support groups, and other resources to assist in your recovery and adjustment to life after a spinal cord injury.
- Financial Guidance: Our attorneys will work with financial experts to assess the long-term financial impact of your spinal cord injury. They can help you pursue compensation that accounts for ongoing medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, and other related expenses.
Dealing with a spinal cord injury after an auto accident is incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. We at the Pacific Attorney Group aim to provide compassionate and dedicated support throughout the legal process, prioritizing your well-being and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
We offer a free consultation. Book your appointment now, and we will handle the rest.